A sibling's inspiration leads commit to UNC

Jessica Holmes recently made a college commitment for two: for herself, of course, and for her brother, Jimmy.

Little brother has always been the fuel behind Jessica’s drive. When she flies down the field, as only she can, she never forgets that Jimmy cannot – he’s confined to a wheelchair.

When she feels minor aches and pains, she’s reminded of Jimmy’s list of disabilities.

“He’s the real secret to my drive,” Jessica said. “I play for both of us.”

And so Jessica proudly gave her 2013 verbal to North Carolina, no doubt making it a satisfying day for the Holmes team.

An Albertson SC striker, Jessica is known for her speed up front which also allows her to track back on defense with the best of them.

She was invited to the U.S. National Training Center last year as her ECNL reputation continues to grow. North Carolina’s rep speaks for itself. And it was the allure of the Tar Heel blue that swayed her in the end. Even as she weighed other options like Miami and Pittsburgh – programs that may have rendered more playing time earlier in her career.

“I have always dreamed of being a Tar Heel, but you can never really be fully prepared for what it means to put on that light blue uniform until you visit,” she said. “The campus is beautiful and the educational opportunities are amazing, and then there's the soccer program. It's no accident that UNC is the best. I came home feeling like I have a lot of work to do!”

There’s always much to do, when you’re working for two.

We’ve got a big group of girls’ in today’s update:

Betsy Middleton (CASL) has verbally committed to Miami (FL) for the 2013 season. This exciting prospect was invited to the U.S. Soccer Training Center in Greensboro last year.

Kaleigh Kurtz (CESA), a multiple time All ECNL Event Teamer, has verbally committed to Richmond for the 2013 season.

Sarah Robinson (Mtn. View Los Altos SC) has verbally committed to Stanford for the 2014 season. Robinson has enjoyed stints in the U17, U14 and U15 U.S. National Team programs.

Ashton Miller (Michigan Hawks) has verbally committed to Duke for 2014. Miller was a U14 National ID camp attendee.